Montpellier 'No' To Maradona

Montpellier chairman Louis Nicollin has ruled out appointing Diego Maradona as their next coach.

Current boss Rene Girard is out of contract in the summer and looks set to leave, which has left Nicollin with the task of finding a replacement.

Maradona had an interest and Nicollin opened talks about a possible deal for the Argentine legend, who is currently working as a global ambassador for the Dubai Sports Council.

However, the Montpellier chairman says that he has pulled the plug because so many people became involved.

"No, Maradona won't come. I am fed up with all that," he told L'Equipe.

"It is impossible to talk with one manager. There are seven and now eight since yesterday. That is impossible! I have signed Argentinian players but I never had to talk with four agents. I don't like that at all so I have stopped all that.

"If I knew this, I would have never started all that. However, I really wanted to sign him. Obviously it would have been great. Anyway, I think it would have not been possible because he demands a lot of money."

Nicollin says he is yet to decide on who will be in charge next term, adding: "I haven't signed anyone so far. My current coach is still at the helm. He is doing his job. But I have met some, step by step."

Despite his interest in Maradona, Nicollin now says he is likely to appoint a Frenchman to replace Girard.

"I will sign a French coach. That is better, isn't it? Jean Fernandez? I don't know. I didn't really meet him. We need some time.

"There is Antoine Kombouare too. He is supposed to be a lovely man. We will talk soon. But frankly, I would be surprised if he would come to La Paillade.

"Laurent Blanc (educated at the club)? I didn't think about him. He is not the style of man to come at La Paillade. Anyway, I would not ask him because I believe he would refuse to come."